AUGUSTA, GA (May 22, 2016) - John Engler, Jr., of Augusta finishes at 6-under-par 207 (68-66-73) to win the Georgia Mid-Amateur Championship. Taylor Smith of Covington earned runner-up honors by finishing one stroke back at 5-under-par 208 (68-67-73). The 35th playing of this competition took place at Augusta Country Club, May 20-22.

Engler, who held the lead after 36 holes, never gave it up during Sunday's final round, but Smith kept it close. The Augusta native was even on the front nine with bogeys on two and four and birdies on six and seven. Smith scored a 37 on his front nine with a lone double-bogey on the eighth hole. Making the turn to the final nine holes, Engler added a pair of bogeys on 12 and 13, finishing at 73 on the day. The runner-up from Covington shot even-par on the way back in with a birdie on 11 and a bogey on 13.

Competing on his home track at Augusta Country Club and in front of his family and friends was something Engler enjoyed.

"I just wanted to thank everyone for coming out," said Engler. "Today was a draining day. I played a lot of golf. I've been fortunate to play a lot of beautiful places, but to play in front of your home crowd is tough to do. It was special to be able to win in front of the family."

With the victory, Engler is now exempt into the Centennial Georgia Amateur Championship, which will be played at Capital City Club in Atlanta in July.

Cameron Hooper of Atlanta, who won the Georgia Mid-Amateur title in 2013, finished third at 3-under-par 210 (72-68-70). Two-time Georgia Mid-Amateur winner (2008, 2009), Jeff Knox of Augusta, finished fourth at 1-under-par 212 (69-70-73). Chris Waters of Atlanta (71-69-73) and Brad Jones of Augusta (71-68-74) tied for fifth at even-par 213. Two players tied for seventh at at 1-over-par 214, including Austin Weatherington of Atlanta (69-72-73) and Don Carpenter III of Athens (69-67-78). Rounding out the overall top 10 on the final leaderboard were three individuals at 2-over-par 215 - Mike Cromer of Peachtree Corners (68-74-73), Michael Standard of McDonough (73-67-75) and 18-hole leader Rob VanGorder, Jr., of Acworth (66-70-79).

After 36 holes of play, 71 players at 8-over-par 150 and better made the cut.

The format was 18 holes of stroke play each day. The field of 144 players was cut to the low 70 and ties after 36 holes.